What “Preventive Care” Actually Means
Preventive care refers to healthcare services designed to detect health problems early or prevent them from developing in the first place — before you have symptoms. These include screenings, immunizations, counseling, and annual wellness exams. Because early detection and prevention significantly reduce the long-term cost and burden of treating disease, your health plan covers these services fully when you use an in-network provider.The no-cost preventive care requirement applies to services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Your UHC plan follows these federal guidelines. Log in to myuhc.com to see the specific preventive services covered under your plan.
Covered Preventive Service Categories
Annual Wellness Visits
Your yearly physical with your primary care provider covers a full health assessment, blood pressure and weight checks, and a review of your overall health history. These visits are the cornerstone of staying ahead of potential health issues.
Vaccinations & Immunizations
Recommended vaccines for adults and children — including flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, shingles (Shingrix), pneumonia, Tdap, and HPV — are covered at no cost when given by an in-network provider or pharmacy.
Cancer Screenings
Screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap smears, cervical cancer screening, lung cancer CT scans (for eligible smokers), and colorectal cancer tests are covered based on your age, sex, and risk factors.
Heart & Metabolic Health
Cholesterol (lipid) panels, blood pressure screenings, diabetes screening, and obesity counseling are covered preventively so you can catch and address cardiovascular risk factors early.
Mental Health Screenings
Depression screenings and anxiety screenings for adults and adolescents are covered as preventive services. Early identification of mental health concerns can open the door to effective, timely treatment.
Well-Woman Visits
Annual well-woman visits cover a comprehensive set of preventive services specific to women’s health, including breast exams, contraceptive counseling, gestational diabetes screening during pregnancy, and more.
Common Covered Preventive Services by Life Stage
Your recommended preventive services will change as you age and as your health history evolves. Here’s a snapshot of commonly covered services by life stage: Adults (18–39):- Annual physical exam
- Blood pressure screening
- Depression and anxiety screening
- STI and HIV screening (for at-risk individuals)
- Flu vaccine annually
- All of the above, plus:
- Mammogram (women 40+, guidelines may vary)
- Colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45
- Diabetes screening
- Cholesterol/lipid panel
- All of the above, plus:
- Bone density (osteoporosis) screening
- Lung cancer screening (for eligible smokers)
- Shingles vaccine
- Pneumonia vaccine
How to Schedule Your Preventive Care Visits
Getting your preventive care on the calendar is easier than you might think. Here’s how to make it happen:1
Log in to myuhc.com or open the UHC app
From your member dashboard, navigate to “Benefits & Coverage” to review which preventive services are covered under your specific plan this year.
2
Find an in-network provider
Use the provider search at uhcprovider.com to locate in-network primary care physicians, OB-GYNs, or specialists near you. Confirming in-network status is essential — out-of-network preventive care may not be covered at no cost.
3
Call or book online
Contact your provider’s office to schedule your annual wellness visit. Many practices now offer online scheduling through their patient portal. When you call, specifically mention you’re scheduling a preventive care or annual wellness visit so it’s coded correctly by the provider’s billing team.
4
Prepare for your appointment
Bring your UHC Health Care Card, a list of current medications, and notes on any symptoms or health concerns. For screenings like colonoscopies or lab work, follow your provider’s preparation instructions carefully.
5
Follow up on results and referrals
After your visit, review any test results through your provider’s portal or directly with your doctor. If a screening leads to a follow-up appointment or diagnostic test, note that diagnostic services (as opposed to preventive screenings) may be subject to your regular cost-sharing.
A Note on Preventive vs. Diagnostic Services
It’s important to understand the distinction between preventive and diagnostic care, because it affects your costs.- A preventive colonoscopy (routine, no symptoms) is covered at no cost.
- A diagnostic colonoscopy (ordered because of symptoms or a prior abnormal result) is subject to your normal deductible and coinsurance.